The UMass Dartmouth Observatory and the Astronomical Society of Southern New England (ASSNE) are pleased to invite the general public to a free open house and night-sky viewing session at the campus Observatory on December 7, at 7 p.m. Viewing will take place through the Observatory's 16-inch telescope and other telescopes operated by ASSNE members.

This event will take place only if the weather permits (clear skies). In the event of cancellation, an announcement will be available Saturday around 5 PM at www.assne.org or by calling (508) 999-8715 for a recorded message.

The Observatory is located in the field to the right of the main entrance to UMass Dartmouth off Old Westport Rd., North Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Parking is available in designated spaces on the campus Ring Road or in lot 17. Admission is free. Children are welcome to attend if accompanied by an adult.

For more information about the Observatory please contact Prof. Alan Hirshfeld at ahirshfeld@umassd.edu or 508-999-8715.

The Astronomical Society of Southern New England is a non-profit club of amateur astronomers who serve Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts with educational outreach programs and public viewing. ASSNE assists UMass Dartmouth in operating the University Observatory and telescope for public viewings. The ASSNE motto is "To Educate and Inspire." For more information about the Astronomical Society of Southern New England, check online at http://www.assne.org/.